McCain Asks Outside Group To Stop Airing Ads
Parliamentarian Overrules Yarmuth's "Article 1" Buttons
House Parliamentarian John Sullivan has nixed a campaign by Rep. John Yarmuth (D-KY) to have his fellow members wear buttons saying "Article 1" on the House floor.
The buttons are meant as a statement that the Founders intended for the Congress, and not the White House, to be the superior branch of the government. Sullivan's office ruled that wearing the buttons violates a House rule that forbids members from "wearing of badges by members to communicate a message."
Yarmuth sent the parliamentarian's office a sternly worded letter. "If a simple mention of the founding document of the country constitutes a message, how does it differ from the wearing of the American flag?" Yarmuth wrote, then asking rhetorically if a button saying "U.S. Constitution" would be banned from the House floor.
Yarmuth is one of the best Democratic victories of 2006, and his district does not appear to be particularly competitive next year (Campaign Diaries only rates him "potentially competitive").
November 10, 2007 3:27 PM | Reply | Permalink
The Democrats should do more than just wear buttons, but should wake up and reclaim the government for the people.
But they are all afraid, alas.
November 10, 2007 3:44 PM | Reply | Permalink
Is this what we elect people to the House for/ to go around trying to get other members to wear buttons? More action, fewer stunts please.
November 10, 2007 4:08 PM | Reply | Permalink
I fervently hope the parliamentarian answers him. And that TPM will scoop the world on publishing that answer. Should be interesting. And while he's at it, how about Yarmuth submits a bill to have the real Constitution mounted (hermetically sealed and all, if National Treasure wasn't fiction in that regard) over the Speaker Of The House's dais, so it'll be that much harder for the assembled Congresscritters to forget that it's WHY THEY'RE THERE.
November 10, 2007 4:12 PM | Reply | Permalink
John Yarmouth, a new name to me, from the state I grew up in, is the man!
I certainly understand the ban on buttons on the floor of the House, but Yarmouth's strategy is an intelligent one. The refusal of the House leadership, in particular my current Representative who's unfortunately also the Speaker, to accept and act on the duties of the House under the Constitition is a scandal and an outrage, and everything that draws attention to that refusal should be publicized.
I recommend the publishing of Article I as widely as possible as an attempt to shame the Democratic "leadership" into acting, or at least allowing others to act.
November 10, 2007 7:39 PM | Reply | Permalink
John Yarmuth represents the Louisville area of Kentucky; and he is a breath of fresh air to this state. He isn't afraid to say what he means; and he always thinks through his decisions, ISTM.
The "Article One" buttons were an attempt to get congress to remember their position as regards the constitution. It seemed as if congress has usurped its authority to President Bu$h; and he thought this might be one way to remind them of what they're supposed to be doing.
We could certainly use more men and women of his ilk in congress.
November 11, 2007 11:40 AM | Reply | Permalink
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November 12, 2007 12:13 AM | Reply | Permalink
I've been alive since Nixon, and I can see how the cult of personality around the Presidency has people confused. Good senators like Obama, for example, can write laws. Still, Presidentin' is the only really attractive job for the egocentric.
I think the Congress needs rehab. Some kind of re-education camp where they learn they're not subordinate to the CEO. It's hard to express 'co-equal' in America today, since egalitarianism is obviously not an ideal the powers value.
I'd like to see a 'defund the Executive' button. Still, if you want to make a point on the Hill, it should be stated in language during your allotted time. And the button can be fixed to the lapel again once the speaker rests.
Question- does an American Flag Pin 'send a message'? Another: Is this a case where free expression is curtailed?
November 12, 2007 7:33 AM | Reply | Permalink
John Yarmuth is a rich privileged "TOOL" of the liberals. He is very good at coming up with meaningless gestures that do nothing.
If liberalism is soooo good, then why did 60 Minutes have to show you guys that your education of the youth of America with no grades and no pressure and no failure was just that a FAILURE last sunday.. the 11th?
Take back the country for the people?
The people elected this congress and this president. Neither of which is doing it right. Still and all better a conservative than Yarmuth in the office. I LIVE In his district. I send him a letter about an issue and get a Thank You that has NOTHING to do with what I contacted him about.. The guy has no CLUE. He is from a Rich Family and has never worked a day in his life..
November 12, 2007 2:47 PM | Reply | Permalink